Personal Injury Law Blogs

What To Expect After A DUI In Maryland

Maryland, like most states, has severe fines and penalties associated with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges. If you are arrested and charged with DUI, you will need to appear in Court. At your hearing, based on the circumstances of your arrest and your record, you can expect:

For First Time Offense
• Up to one year in jail – however a minimum jail term is not set
• Up to two years in jail if a minor was in the car at the time of the arrest
• License suspension of six months
• Fine of up to $1,000, or $2,000 if a minor was in the vehicle.

How the Court Sees It

The judge has the ability to impose any and all of these penalties against the defendant if they are convicted of the crime. If it is your second offense or more, you can expect to see each of these categories increase by at least double.

It should be noted that the State of Maryland has two distinct charges for drunk driving. Driving While Impaired (DWI) is a blood alcohol content of .02 -.07. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) requires a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher. The penalties and fines are very similar for either charge, with DUI having the more severe terms.

How A DUI Can Change Your Life

When you think of being charged with a DUI, you often think of losing your license or perhaps having to serve time in jail. Most people, however, do not think about the personal problems that will come as a result of a DUI conviction. When you have been convicted of a DUI, you will see the following changes in your life:

• Your car insurance rates will skyrocket. Once a DUI is on your record, you will pay double your current premium rates because the insurance companies now see you as a liability.
• Your inability to drive while your license is suspended will cause family and friends to become stressed. Having to “beg rides” to work, to the doctor or to the grocery store will become burdensome to others. If you risk driving yourself, however, you risk jail time for operating a vehicle without a license. After being charged, you should immediately seek out a criminal defense attorney in Maryland to increase your chances of lessened consequences.
• You may not get that great job. Many employers are now checking driving records of potential employees as a way to gauge responsibility. People with excessive tickets or DUI’s are often overlooked for positions because they are considered irresponsible.
• You may not get promoted. Just like new hires, companies are now delving into the background of their current employees before they promote them into a position of responsibility.

These are just a few of the changes that will happen in your life if you are convicted of this offense. Of course, the solution to this issue is to never get behind the wheel when you are impaired, even if you “feel fine.” Because alcohol and some medications react differently to the person’s metabolism, what may seem like a safe amount to consume for one person may be dangerous for another.

Author Anthony Joseph continues to write about the tough subject of DUI’s and how they affect us. Colleen Kirby, a criminal defense attorney in Maryland, is an advocate for clients in local criminal cases. As a former prosecutor, she is adept at negotiating reduced charges, and aggressively fighting for acquittals at trial.

Dealing With Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries affects up to 1.7 million Americans each year. Medical experts also estimate that a half million residents of the UK deal with disability from traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can vary in severity and cause a range of symptoms, including memory problems, speech impairment, mood changes and frequent headaches. Severe TBI can cause other physical problems. Though traditional medicine offers a number of treatments for this condition, natural methods can also provide relief from symptoms.

About Traumatic Brain Injuries

A number of circumstances can cause traumatic brain injury. Soldiers in combat often suffer TBI when explosions go off nearby. Car accidents, assaults, falls and other actions can cause the brain to bounce against the inside wall of the skull, causing injury. Such an injury can cause bleeding and pressure that can be life threatening. This type of injury requires immediate medical treatment. Milder traumatic brain injury can still cause long-term problems.

Supplements For Brain Health

Supplements that are known to aid in brain function and brain tissue health can help to reduce symptoms and aid in healing. Vitamin B complex, vitamin E, fish oil and flax seeds are all know to have this effect on brain health. The U.S. National Institutes of Health also recommend vitamin D to aid cognitive function in adults. Adding these supplements to the diet can help to reduce symptoms and facilitate their return to normal activities.

Reiki Energy Treatment
Reiki is a form of treatment that uses the energy of the body to heal itself. The Reiki practitioner directs the body’s energy through the energy pathways to where it is most needed. The energy nourishes and heals the cells and tissues of the body to promote healing. Reiki also reduces stress and encourages a positive mental attitude, which can be helpful for people dealing with traumatic brain injuries.

Homeopathic Medications
Homeopathy is method of using natural compounds to aid in healing. They can be used both preventatively for those who have sustained a head injury as well as for those already dealing with symptoms of TBI. Using such compounds as arnica, hypernicum, natrum sulphuricum and cicuta can help to reduce seizures, head pain and mood problems. These compounds are generally mixed for the individual patient’s needs.

Detoxification
An important factor in returning the brain to full function is removing toxins from the environment that can be detrimental to proper tissue function. The strategy requires that the person remove all harmful chemicals contained in cleaning products, personal products, garden products and foods. When these toxins are removed from the environment, the body can begin to heal itself more effectively.

Meditation
Meditation is a process of removing cluttered thoughts from the mind and focusing on a single point. It can be used by people dealing with traumatic brain injuries to reduce stress, improve health and increase the ability to concentrate. Regular meditation is often recommended by physicians to relieve symptoms associated with TBI. Because music is a complex auditory experience, it can help to improve perception, cognition and motor control within the brain.

Music Therapy
Music has always had the ability to soothe human beings, but its benefits are now being recognized by the medical community. Listening to music, singing or playing simple instruments can help to regulate brain patterns and improve mood.

Exercise
A simple but effective natural treatment for traumatic brain injury is exercise. A regular regime of exercise for 30 minutes each day can help increase blood flow to the brain and assist in healing damaged brain tissues. It can also improve mood regulation and sleeping problems.

References:

http://www.naturalchoice.net/articles/Art12_Traumatic_Brain_Injury.htm

https://www.headway.org.uk/key-facts-and-statistics.aspx

http://www.reiki.org/faq/whatisreiki.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/026057_injury_homeopathic_medicines.html

http://www.dana.org/news/cerebrum/detail.aspx?id=26122

Nisha represents a site called InjuryAdviceLawyers.co.uk

Wigan roofing fines suffers heavy fine after worker falls through roof

A Wigan-based roofing firm has been heavily fined after a worker fell through a roof and was seriously hurt.

K Pendlebury & Sons Ltd, based in Wigan, found themselves in court this week after one of their employees fell through a school roof, seriously injuring his midriff and right arm.

The incident happened on 9 November 2011 when the company was working on a project to replace the raised roof on the sports hall at Loreto High School, Chorlton. Mr Lee Byrne, 29, was working on the roof when the accident happened. He was walking across to talk to a number of employees and take their lunch orders when the roof gave way under him and he plummeted thirty feet to the ground below, hitting a section of scaffolding on his way down. This resulted in Mr Byrne sustaining the following injuries – a broken pelvis, broken fingers, fractured right arm and a completely smashed right elbow. The injury to his elbow was so serious that he had to have an artificial elbow fitted. He has not been able to return to work since.

It is not currently known whether Mr Byrne is going to claim personal injury against K Pendlebury & Sons Ltd.

The Health and Safety Executive were notified of the accident and subsequently investigated. This investigation resulted in a recommendation that K Pendlebury & Sons Ltd be prosecuted.

The case came before the Trafford Magistrates’ Court in Sale on 3 June 2013. The court heard evidence that workers of the company had removed old steel beams under part of the roof so that new beams could be installed. However, this left part of the fragile corrugated iron roof exposed and meant that there was a large risk that an accident could result from this. No steps were taken by the company to protect the fragile areas – including, for example, the lack of a barrier. Scaffolding had also been erected only under parts of the roof rather than covering the full width.

K Pendlebury & Sons Ltd pleaded guilty to a breach of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 after it failed to ensure that workers were protected from standing on fragile parts of the roof. The court ordered that the company pay a £10,000 fine and £3,539 in costs.

Regulation 9 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 states that every employer shall ensure that no person at work passes across or near, or works on, from or near, a fragile surface where it is reasonably practicable to carry out work safely and under appropriate ergonomic conditions without his doing so.

Marc Hadrill, a solicitor at Redmans employment solicitors, commented on the case that “individuals and businesses have strict obligations to comply with the regulations relating to working at height. If any business fails to comply with these regulations – and exposes their workers to the risk of harm – then they run the risk of being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive and prosecuted”.

Redmans Solicitors are solicitors offering compromise agreement advice based in London

Lost leg leads to large fine for Staffordshire contractor

A Staffordshire contractor has been heavily fined after a worker was severely injured by a cement mixer last year.

A Staffordshire contractor has been found guilty of a breach of health and safety law and heavily fined after one of the workers he was responsible for injured his leg so badly in September 2012 that it had to be removed below the knee.

The incident occurred on 13 September 2012 when Mr Colin Boon, 55, was supervising a number of workers in his road work gang. The gang was sealing a pavement in Stoke-on-Trent when a 36-year-old worker climbed from a flat-bed lorry and slipped. As he slipped he put his left leg down to prevent himself from falling over but his leg went into the unguarded entrance of the cement mixer. This resulted in the paddles of the mixer injuring his leg to such a degree that it had to be amputated below the knee in hospital.

The Health and Safety Executive (“HSE”) subsequently investigated and found that there were sufficient grounds for recommending that Mr Boon be prosecuted for a breach of statutory duty.

The case came to the Staffordshire Magistrates Court on 29 May 2013. The court heard that the guard that was previously in place over the mixer had been removed the day before the accident occurred and had not been replaced. This resulted in the worker incurring the injury that he did.

Mr Boon was charged with breaching s.3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, namely that he had failed to conduct his undertaking in such a way that it ensured, so far as was reasonably practicable, that persons not in his employment were not exposed to risks to their health and safety.

The Staffordshire Magistrates Court found Mr Boon guilty of the statutory  breach after he had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing. It fined him £6,700 and ordered him to pay £8,000 in costs.

Marc Hadrill, a solicitor at Redmans employment solicitors, commented after the verdict that “it is extremely important that employers comply with health and safety legislation as it not only avoids an expensive and time-consuming court case but – more importantly – means that they are protecting the health and welfare of their workers and other parties so far as is reasonably practicable.”

It is not currently known whether the anonymous worker has instructed personal injury solicitors to pursue his claim or not.

An HSE inspector, Mr Alistair Choudhury, commented that “this was an entirely preventable incident and a young man has sustained an injury which will have a huge impact on the rest of his life. Colin Boon failed in his duties to these workers. He was aware that the guard had been removed and took no action to prevent the use of the machine on 13 September 2012.

Direct 2 Lawyers offer settlement agreement advice to employees and employers

Fall from height leads to court appearance for two companies

Two English companies have ended up in court after a fall from height seriously injured a worker.

Two companies – AAA Linen Services, based in North West London, and Laundryquip LLP, of Northamptonshire, were convicted at Westminster Magistrates Court of breaches of health and safety law after a female employee of AAA Linen Services slipped off a ladder and seriously injured her ankle.

The incident occurred on 20 December 2012, when the the unnamed female employee attempted to clear a blockage in a laundry machine provided by Laundryquip LLP. Laundryquip had provided the machine but had failed to install suitable access steps to allow employees to access the machine, as ordered by AAA Linen Services. To cope with this omission, AAA’s employees used a standard office chair to access parts of the machine.

The female team leader who had the accident tried to use a chair to access the machine on 20 December 2012 but decided to use a ladder when it became clear that the chair was not a safe means of access. However, when she used the ladder it slipped and she fell, shattering her ankle. She required 13 pins in her ankle to mend the break and has been unable to work as a result since.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was notified of the accident and investigated. This investigation resulted in a recommendation that a prosecution be commenced against the two companies for breaches of their health and safety duties.

The case came before the Westminster Magistrates Court on 3 June 2013. AAA Linen Services Ltd pleaded guilty to a breach of s.2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 while Laundryquip LLP defended the charge under s.6(3) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Westminster Magistrates found that AAA Linen Services were guilty of failing to ensure, so far as was reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all of its employees and were therefore found guilty of a breach of s.2(1). They were fined £5,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,500.

Laundryquip LLP were found guilty of a breach of s.6(3) of the Act as the Court found that they had failed to ensure, so far as was reasonably practicable, that the laundry equipment concerned was installed in a manner which made it safe or not a risk to other persons’ health. It was also fined £5,000 but was ordered to pay costs of £16,500.

Chris Hadrill, a solicitor at Redmans employment solicitors, commented on the case that “a prosecution by the HSE can be a particularly serious matter and businesses may wish to obtain expert advice from lawyers specialising in regulatory defences if they’re threatened with court action. A failure to do so can be extremely costly”.

The HSE’s inspector concerned, Mr Nick Fry, stated that “AAA Linen failed to ensure their employees’ safety when they need to work at height to clear blockages on a large laundry machine. A chair was clearly the wrong choice of equipment and exposed workers to unnecessary risk. Their action led to an avoidable incident in which a woman was caused a great deal of pain and suffering”.

It is currently not know whether she wishes to claim personal injury against AAA Linen Services or Laundryquip LLP.

Redmans Solicitors offer employment law advice to employees and employers

Company hit with massive fine after death of temporary worker

An internationally-renowned company has been heavily fined after a temporary worker was crushed to death at work.

Mr Linas Mataitis started work for European Metal Recycling Ltd in May 2010 and worked as a labourer until the incident occurred on 18 July 2010. On the 18th July he was assisting in the shut-down cleanup for the day when he was struck by the bucket of a wheel-loading shovel at the company’s site in Scrubs Lane, Willesden (in London). The steel bucket pinned him against a steel column. As a result of this incident he received injuries to his head and body – injuries which were so severe that they proved fatal. The incident was subsequently reported to the Health and Safety Executive and an investigation was carried out. This investigation recommended that the company be prosecuted for breaching health and safety laws and the case came to the Southwark Crown Court this week. It is not currently known whether Mr Mataitis’s family is pursuing a claim for personal injury against European Metal Recycling Ltd

On 20 May 2013 the Southwark Crown Court heard that Mr Mataitis had sustained fatal injuries while working for European Metal Recycling Ltd. The Court also heard that he was working – along with a number of other workers – near a large shredding machine and was helping to clear debris away from this machine. This involved Mr Mataitis and the other workers assisting three machines – a bobcat, a mini-excavator and a wheel-loading shovel – to clear the debris. The bobcat and the mini-excavator would place the material in the wheel-loading shovel and the latter machine would then cart the debris away. This operation was proceeding smoothly until the fourth run, when Mr Mataitis was trapped by the wheel-loading shovel and suffered the fatal injuries.

The Health and Safety Executive investigation found that although the company had a specific procedure to deal with cleaning dirt from around the machines,  this procedure did not account for the opening of the safety gates, for the number of people that were working in close proximity and for the use of the machines. It was therefore found that the company had made insufficient preparations for the movement of that number of machines and persons in the same environment. It was also found that the wheel-loading shovel was being driven by a partly-trained and allegedly unauthorised operative – a fact which was exacerbated by the company’s failure to keep adequate training and supervision records.

European Metal Recycling Ltd pleaded guilty to breaches of s.2(1) and s.3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The Court therefore found the company guilty and fined it £300,000, also ordering it to pay costs of £72,901.

Chris Hadrill, employment solicitor at Redmans, commented that “this case demonstrates that its crucial to have the proper policies and procedures in place to ensure that work is carried out correctly – a failure to do so can cause serious harm to employees as well as incurring other losses”.

Direct 2 Lawyers offer to put you in touch with expert solicitors who can provide employment law advice and health and safety advice

Are Houstonians Safe Drivers?

Traffic in Houston has been a concern for many years. Not only are the congested highways in the area costly and dangerous, residential streets have caused concern for some residents. In 2001 there were 189 fatal accidents in the Houston area, with 74 of them being the result of a drunk driver. These statistics are similar with the national average. However, there is a growing concern for pedestrians, as the average of pedestrian-related accidents and fatalities in Houston is alarmingly high.

Recent Statistics for the Houston Area

In 2010 there were 345 accidents that involved pedestrians and vehicles in the state of Texas. More than half of these were located in Houston. This has spurred the debate of whether the traffic situation in Houston is actually worse than that of Dallas. Most of these pedestrian-related accidents were the direct result of careless driving and could have been completely avoided had proper caution been taken.

According to a recent poll that was conducted by the Transportation for America, Houston is considered the ninth most dangerous metro area and the most dangerous in the entire state of Texas. This is very alarming for citizens who are concerned about aging parents or children. Needless to say, this creates a substantial demand for experienced car accidents attorneys in Houston, Texas.

Advances in Houston Traffic Safety

Due to the increased concern for pedestrians’ wellbeing on the streets of Houston, a new concept has been introduced, known as Complete Streets. This program is developing fully functional streets that are safe for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders.

The fact is that with up to 40 percent of Houstonians not being able to drive, this introduction for optimum safety of residents has become a welcome change. This has also provided hope for residents who regularly travel by foot or bike.

The Need for New Legislation

The fact remains that the roadways in Houston can still be deemed extremely dangerous, which is a problem that needs to be addressed by government agencies in order for changes to be made. Recent comparisons have deemed Texas significantly lacking for highway safety laws. Houston was the first area in the U.S. to pass the 85-mile-an-hour speed limit, putting it on the bottom tier of the safest roads.

In order for the Houston area to meet the national recommendations for highway safety, the legislature would have to pass an additional 316 new laws. This includes the law that prohibits texting while driving. This gained additional criticism when Houston officials disregarded a request from Mothers Against Drunk Driving to remedy some of the traffic issues that Houston suffers from.

The Bottom Line

It is clear to see with these statistics and concerns that as a whole Houstonians are not safe drivers. Additionally, the laws are not in place to encourage safe driving efforts. This provides the perfect storm putting anyone on the road, including pedestrians, at risk for being hurt or involved in a traffic accident that could result in a fatality. With encouragement from concerned citizens there are some actions being taken, but some still wonder if it will be enough to handle the major traffic concerns of the Houston area.

Byline

Daniel Parker writes on legal topics such as Personal Injury, Criminal Law, Intellectual Property, Tax Law and other areas.

Understanding The Strengths And Weaknesses Of Your Case

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your case is important to getting the representation you seek as you pursue just compensation for your personal injury accident. You can do this by getting a free case evaluation or a free consultation by or from a personal injury lawyer. When it comes to hiring a lawyer, it is important to find out how much a lawyer will charge. What percentage of settlement do lawyers get? The answer depends on how much your personal injury attorney charges for their specific services. However, there are some things you will need to know before, during, and after you talk to or go see a personal injury lawyer. Here they are.

Before

Were you really injured?

You can only recover damages from a defendant for injury they caused. So, even if you were involved in a typical personal injury accident because of someone else, such as a slip and fall or car accident, if you weren’t really injured, then you might not have any reason to use personal injury law. This keeps the courts open for more serious cases that need their attention; and, there are still other avenues of justice available to you if you feel you were wronged and would like to file a lawsuit against the person who wronged you. Talk to a lawyer– any lawyer, about what those might be.

Is your lawsuit worth pursuing?

Okay, you were injured. But, you weren’t injured a lot. In fact, you’ve already paid for your medical bills– and easily. Lawsuits are costly. They are also timely. So, before you file one, think about what you’ll get out of your lawsuit in the end. You might not win, and even if you do win, will what you win be worth it– making up for the time and money you lost along the way?

During

Knowing the where, when, what, and why of your case will help a lawyer identify strengths and weaknesses during your free case evaluation or free consultation.

Where?
Know where your accident happened. Each state will have its own rules, so it matters. More specifically, you should also know where your accident happened as far as streets, counties, and even cities go.

When?

Know when your accident happened. Did you wait more than two years? Then, you might not be able to sue the person who caused your accident and recover damages for your injuries anymore.

What?

Know what happened. Get witnesses and medical reports, as well as police reports if available

Why?

Know why your accident happened. Were you partially to blame? This can affect your ability to recover through a doctrine known as contributory negligence– basically, a defendant is only liable for the percent of damages they were responsible for.

After

After you finish your free case evaluation or free consultation, you are left to pursue your case. According to Timothy J. Ryan & Associates Personal Injury Lawyers victims of accidents have two years after their incident to file a claim. Rethink your initial assumptions now that you have a professional, experienced opinion. If needed, contact another personal injury lawyer for a second, third, or even fourth opinion. Doing so, and doing so in a timely fashion, is in your best interest, because knowing whether or not you have a strong or a weak personal injury case can help you make the hard decision about whether or not to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Jennifer Machie writes for Jason McMinn,  a personal injury lawyer at the McMinn Law Firm.

Loss of Consortium: What it is and How it Can Affect You

Loss of consortium is the legal term applied to intangible aspects of a personal relationship when an individual is a victim of significant injuries or wrongful death due to the negligence of a responsible party. All cases are adjudicated by financial damage awards and are normally determined by exact dollar amounts from a traditional formula, such as lost wages and medical bills. However, loss of consortium involving love and affection is much more difficult to calculate, and this often hinges on the actual parameters of the relationship and contributions the victim makes to that particular relationship.

Dividing Damages

There are two primary types of damage awards in a personal injury lawsuit. Compensatory damages involve actual lost finances and medical bills resulting from the injury. In cases of egregious negligence by the respondent, punitive damages can also be awarded by a jury. Of course, this requires taking a case to trial.

Insurance companies are not always directly responsible for punitive damages unless the court finds the company is bargaining in bad faith. However, including an aggressive insurance company in a trial is not impossible. The possibility of punitive damage awards by a jury can motivate a responsible party to make a good faith offer settling an injury or wrongful death claim. All experienced trail attorneys know this, and they can use the situation to maximize a case settlement.

Loss of Consortium Damages

Standard compensatory damages are awarded to the petitioner or estate representative. Loss of consortium is a different form of damage which is awarded directly to the affected spouse. According to a New Hampshire personal injury lawyer, spouses have the right to love, comfort, companionship, affection and moral support. This damage applies to both husbands and wives, so men should not dismiss the possibility of a consortium loss claim in association with a personal injury lawsuit. The amounts are calculated according to case particulars involving family relationships. An example would be a victim’s children and their ages, as loss of consortium damages could be much higher if the children are still underage. This could also include lost financial support from potential earnings of the victim until the children reach adulthood. Loss of consortium damages are clearly unique in this regard.

Loss of Consortium Limits

Loss of consortium has been addressed by the Supreme Court in terms of limitations, suggesting that limits should be set in single-digit multiples of the actual compensatory damages in the case. The standard was generally set at four times the compensatory amount, but each case should be evaluated separately for a higher potential. A case ratio result of 1:4 would mean that the spouse is awarded an additional financial amount limited to 25% of the compensatory award. Of course, this is a sliding scale and is open for considerable negotiation latitude prior to a trial. Many times a settlement is better than an actual trial because the respondent has a chance to beat the case in trial.

Loss of consortium is easily the most difficult damage to calculate definitively. It encompasses both compensatory aspects as well as punitive aspects. It is important to retain an attorney who is highly experienced and knowledgeable of the calculation method, including the possible outcomes of a trial, in an effort to maximize a damage award. However, it is not unreasonable that loss of consortium awards can be very valuable additions to any litigation involving serious personal injury or wrongful death.

Midnight Walker writes about law, personal injury and family issues. A New Hampshire personal injury lawyer, Tenn Tenn And PA, will help guide its clients through the maze of legal issues when confronted with Loss of Consortium.

Getting Around Town Safely: Teens and Public Transit

Any time that a person ventures out into society, they open themselves up to potential danger. This is especially true for teenagers, who may appear vulnerable to predators and lack the life skills that are necessary to keep themselves safe. If you are a teenager or have a teenage child, it’s important to begin learning or teaching these skills now, so you can avoid any possible disasters in the future.

Staying Safe at the Station

When waiting for a train, bus or subway, it’s a good idea to stay in a central location where other commuters are gathered. Although being in a crowd definitely does not guarantee safety, it’s far better than sitting alone in a corner somewhere. Always remain aware and watchful of what is going on around you. If you have some time to kill, consider reading a book versus putting on headphones and closing your eyes. Being able to hear what is going on in your surrounding area could go a long way in protecting your safety.

Staying Safe While In Transit

Once you are on your way, you should still remain alert and aware. Unfortunately, robberies do happen on trains and subways, so always keep your wallet in your front pocket and your purse close to your body. Make sure that your cell phone is charged and easily accessible, and if possible, carry a whistle that you can blow to draw attention in case of an attack. If you will be riding late at night or early in the morning, ride as close to the operator as possible. If anyone seems threatening or makes you otherwise uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to change seats. Most train and subway cars have call boxes that you can use to notify the police if you need help.

When it comes to buses, most of the same rules apply. According to information from the website of Doyle Raizner injury lawyers, “Buses—similar to trains and planes—are common carriers that generally have an obligation to provide a high level of safety to its passengers.” Unfortunately, despite numerous attempts by parents, lawyers and consumer groups, many buses still lack seat belts and other basic safety features, which can lead to serious injuries should there be an accident. Despite this, traveling by bus is still much safer than if your teen was to drive themselves or ride with a friend.

Staying Safe on The Way Home

If you are using the public transit system, you will probably have a short walk from your stop to your final destination. Avoid getting off at a stop that looks isolated, especially late at night. All of the above rules still apply while walking, such as staying alert, keeping your possessions close to your body and being ready to run from anyone who seems suspicious. Also, try to move with confidence and purpose, as if you know exactly where you are going and have no fears about getting there safely. Looking confused or lost could potentially make you a target for criminals.

As a parent, you might feel concerned at the idea of your child riding the public transit system alone, but studies have actually shown that despite the fact that a good number of transit accidents do occur and there are obviously other dangers, this option is actually much safer for teens than driving themselves or riding along with other young drivers. With a little street smarts and learned wisdom, your teenager should get where they are going without any problems.

Legal researcher Shelby Warden is a mother of two who shares this information to help keep teens safe. The Doyle Raizner injury lawyers have extensive experience handling personal injury claims arising out of bus accidents. They work tirelessly to protect the rights of their clients, whether they were a bus passenger, operator, pedestrian, or in another vehicle that was injured in the bus accident.